Find out more about studying international development at Bath

Learn more about what studying an undergraduate international development course at Bath is like by watching a taster lecture.

Watch our taster lecture

How can we address our planet's climate crisis while supporting countries and people around the world to improve their socioeconomic outcomes? Join Professor Yixian Sun to explore the tensions and synergies between development and climate action.

During this lecture, he'll talk about the political, economic, and social factors that have contributed to the destabilisation of our climate, and why it's essential that we understand and learn from these as we seek more sustainable pathways to development.

This taster lecture is specially designed to demonstrate what it’s like to study at Bath. You can access the full XX-minute lecture below.

Watch the full taster lecture

Highly ranked

We are known for excellence in teaching and research, and for providing outstanding career preparation.

Joint 31st in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Top 10 for Economics* in the Complete University Guide 2027

Top 10 for Career after 15 Months in Economics* in The Guardian University Guide 2026

Bath is in the top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2027, The Guardian University Guide 2026 & The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026*

Courses that boost employability

Students that study international development with economics are provided an academic foundation for a career in a range of fields. These could be within:

government and international agencies
non-government organisations (NGO)
development consultancies
international businesses (especially in emerging markets)

It also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate training in human rights, migration, humanitarianism, social justice, journalism, teaching, and business.

Examples of where our recent graduates have gone on to work include:

Atkins
Bank of England
Cap Gemini
DAI Global
Deloitte
S&P Global
University of Bath
Wavemaker

Explore our international development course

Two university students working together at a table

Real-world experience with a placement

Our international development course is available as a four-year degree with a professional placement.

These opportunities are designed to help students enhance their CV with demonstrable experience and gain practical skills that will prepare them for life beyond university.

A student-focused campus

The University's main campus is located in Claverton Down, on the east side of Bath. It is where our community comes together.

A large group of students sitting on grass next to the lake on the University of Bath campus

Our campus, which is on the edge of the city, has everything a student might need. It has plenty of study spaces, shops, and cafés, as well as a wide range of sports facilities.

We're proud of our dedicated 24/7 on-campus Security Team and Student Support Advice Service, whose work ensures we give each student a safe and supportive experience. All students can also use our free SafeZone app, where they can contact the Security team directly.

Our campus is also home to our Students' Union (The SU), a student-led community that promotes student interests, provides support, and offers a range of societies.

A safe and vibrant city

Bath is a beautiful city set in the rolling green hills of South West England. It’s famous for its natural hot springs and Georgian architecture. In fact, Bath’s so special it’s the only entire city in the UK that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But Bath’s not only special because of its history. It’s a great place to live, learn and work. The city has a student population of around 20,000, and is the second safest city in England and Wales to study in.

There is plenty to do in the city, including visiting its historical attractions like the Roman Baths - which students can enter for free!

Students can travel between the campus and city by foot, bike, car or bus. Transport links from the city centre also mean that Bath is just 90 minutes from London and onward travel to its international airports, too.

Watch 'International Development in the Climate Crisis' by Dr Yixian Sun

Watch the full taster lecture

* Data for our BSc (Hons) International Development with Economics courses is represented in some league tables under Economics due to league table subject groupings.

** The University of Bath ranked 7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, 8th in The Guardian University Guide 2026, and 9th in the Complete University Guide 2027.